The midfielder skippered the side on his 600th career appearance and did a good job despite making life more difficult for himself after a 15th-minute yellow card for a foul on Craig Conway.

Tareiq Holmes-Dennis was ruled out by a knee niggle, but it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see regular left-back Chris Lowe return in any case. And Liverpool loanee Danny Ward was back between the posts in place of Joel Coleman after missing the 2-1 Boxing Day home win over Nottingham Forest through illness.

Blackburn were short of centre-backs with Darragh Lenihan suspended and Elliott Ward, the former Town loan player, and Tommie Hoban injured.

Coyle brought in Gordon Greer and paired him with Charlie Mulgrew, who had been playing in midfield.

Wes Brown was left out in favour of Liam Feeney and former Hull City midfielder Corry Evans came in for Marvin Emnes as Coyle went with two blocks of four.

Graham and on-loan Southampton man Sam Gallagher were the forwards, not that too much was seen of them up front.